LETHE

TileHead’s Word of the Day for 19 July 2011

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LETHE  (n. pl. - S)

Definition(s):

1. (n.) forgetfulness; oblivion

Useful information for game players:

• Front hooks: (none)
• Back hooks: -S
• Anagrams: (none)
• Longer extensions: -AN
• Wraparounds: BletheR, BletheRS, BletheRED, BletheRING
• Other Spellings: (none)
• Related Forms: LETHEAN (adj.)

Epilogue:
In Greek mythology, LETHE (meaning “oblivion”) was one of the rivers of the underworld of Hades.  The souls of the dead drank from it and forgot what they had done while alive, forming a powerful image that has been used by countless writers and poets ever since.  In some tales, souls were given the choice of drinking instead from the pool of Mnemosyne, the goddess of memory (and the source of the word MNEMONIC), in order to remember their earthly lives.

This week’s theme: Words starting with the letter L

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